'The main difference is the power' - Puccetti Kawasaki tests a new engine for 2025
10/24/2024 06:28 AM
Manuel Puccetti's Kawasaki Team were able to test a new Kawasaki engine for the 2025 World Superbike season.
After spending two years with the Bonovo Action BMW squad Garrett Gerloff has made his switch to Kawasaki. The American rider got his first taste of the Kawasaki ZX-10RR at the two-day Jerez test this week.
Straight after the 2024 World Superbike finale some riders and teams stayed at Jerez to begin 2025 preparations. This is where Gerloff linked up with Manuel Puccetti's Kawasaki WorldSBK Team.
Team Manager Manuel Puccetti, speaking on Wednesday morning, explained the team's first impressions of Gerloff while also discussing new components that would be tested today: "We're very happy, he's quite fast immediately on the bike.
"Today (Wednesday), we'll start to test some new parts, especially a new engine and a new suspension upgrade. I believe we'll find another good step in the afternoon. We're getting quicker and quicker, so very good."
Gerloff's first day on the Kawasaki was spent getting comfortable with his new machinery. The 29-year-old was using a similar bike to Alex Lowes' 2024 Kawasaki Racing Team machine. However, for 2025 Gerloff will be the sole Kawasaki rider in WorldSBK and was able to test a new 2025 engine at Jerez.
Puccetti explained where the new engine has been improved and what he thinks the differences are, plus whether Gerloff's inline-four engine experience would help, said: "It has some updates. It's a new engine. It's the 2024 engine with many new parts inside, it's the first time we have this engine. I think the main difference is the power.
"This was my rider choice, looking for a top rider that had already ridden this kind of inline-four. I believe it was closer compared to this bike compared to taking a rider from a V4. Of course, if they're fast, they'll be fast anyway, but the jump is shorter if you come from a similar bike."
Gerloff is currently unable to discuss his Jerez test or impressions of the Kawasaki ZX-10RR. The American took to social media to tell his fans he would provide updates in December.
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